Tubeway Army

Tubeway Army was a British new wave and electronic band formed by Gary Numan in the late 1970s. Here are some facts about the band:

1. Formation and Early Years: Tubeway Army was formed in London in 1977 by Gary Numan, who served as the band's lead vocalist, songwriter, and synthesizer player. The band initially consisted of Numan, along with Paul Gardiner on bass and Jess Lidyard on drums. Tubeway Army's early music drew inspiration from punk rock and electronic music, blending aggressive guitar riffs with synthesizer-driven melodies.

2. Breakthrough with "Are 'Friends' Electric?": Tubeway Army gained widespread attention with the release of their second album, "Replicas", in 1979. The album featured the hit single "Are 'Friends' Electric?", a groundbreaking song that fused electronic music with Numan's signature moody vocals and dystopian lyrics. "Are 'Friends' Electric?" topped the UK charts and propelled Tubeway Army to mainstream success, establishing Numan as a leading figure in the electronic music scene.

3. Transition to Gary Numan: Following the success of "Replicas" and "Are 'Friends' Electric?", Gary Numan opted to pursue a solo career, effectively disbanding Tubeway Army. Numan continued to release music under his own name, achieving further chart success with albums like "The Pleasure Principle" (1979) and "Telekon" (1980). While Tubeway Army ceased to exist as a separate entity, the band's influence on Numan's solo work and the electronic music genre as a whole remained significant.

4. Legacy and Influence: Tubeway Army's fusion of punk energy and electronic experimentation paved the way for the emergence of synth-pop and new wave music in the 1980s. The band's pioneering use of synthesizers, coupled with Numan's introspective lyrics and distinctive vocal delivery, inspired countless artists and bands in the years that followed. Tubeway Army's influence can be heard in the work of bands like Depeche Mode, The Human League, and Nine Inch Nails, among others, cementing their legacy as pioneers of electronic music.

5. Reunions and Revivals: Despite disbanding in the early 1980s, Tubeway Army has occasionally reunited for live performances and special events. Gary Numan has revisited the band's catalog in his solo concerts, often incorporating Tubeway Army songs into his setlists. While Tubeway Army's active years were relatively brief, their impact on the music world continues to be felt, with their groundbreaking sound and innovative approach to music-making leaving an indelible mark on the history of electronic music.